Springtime...almost!

It was trying to be Springtime today. But even though the blossoms are out, the air was decidedly chilly. When I want to channel Spring I can't go past my Peta Pledger red daisy "Sara" shirt. It's my favorite thing to wear at the moment and I usually whip it straight off the clothes line and totally detour around the iron (apologies for the wrinkles Peta). And look, they are on Sale!

Another new acquisition are these gorgeous "Sparkly Crystal"earrings by Liana Kabel. When ordering my pair I asked for rainbow sparkles, and I wasn't disappointed. When the sun shines it's like having a mini disco on your ears! I also decided to wear my Daisy Teacup brooch today to remind me that it wont be long till we'll be having Spring teaparties and picnics!

And this afternoon I put the finishing touches on this "Springtime" Owlie clock. She's off to a new home very soon. I hope her new owner likes her.

Market Memories

It was a perfect morning to visit the Camberwell Market today. Usually I only try and buy things I will use in my products....buttons , buckles, doilies, playing cards.

But today I saw these little tin plates from a dollies tea set I used to own and a wave of childhood memory washed over me.

Same with this book about two dolls in the Aussie bush.

Have you ever found something from your childhood that you had forgotten about?

Last week I found this Chrissy Doll in an op shop. All the memories of the Christmas morning when I got my original Chrissy (with her lustrous growing hair) came flooding back.
Alas Bella the cat is not terribly amused. You can see a lot of choice flea market goodies on Sophie's blog today. Go and have a visit.

When I Grow Up

It's all about life and career choices at our place at the moment. My big girl Lily is doing VCE and has been looking at tertiary courses and subject pathways. Very overwhelming when you are just a teen. And a parent of a teen.
While visiting one institution's open day I accidentally wandered into the Visual Merchandising department and got totally inspired. I nearly signed up on the spot.

But later I thought, I don't need to spend two years studying to do what I want to do. I should just go and do it. Easier said than done I suppose, but in my opinion, skills learnt in the industry are a hundred times more valuable than any learnt in the classroom.

And if you need a bit of inspiration go and read the fantastic interview with designer and visual merchandiser Amanda Henderson on The Design Files today. She has shared some real pearls of wisdom. And even though we sometimes take store window displays for granted, or even if they are a wee bit controversial (Sportsgirl 's Make Do and Mend campaign earlier this year?) , you have got to be inspired when they are as spectacular as Gloss's creations.

Farewell Winter

Ok. We can pretty well say that's Winter over and done with in Melbourne for another year.
Good riddance I say. There's been too many days spent huddling round the heater in my studio trying to thaw out before I start working for my liking. Not to mention the killer lurgies.
Spring is heralding lots of creative happenings (and hopefully lots of Betty Jo business!) .

I'm just about to pack up some goodies to send up to the new store Follow, in Surry Hills.

The dynamic duo from Finders Keepers, Brooke and Sarah have just opened this lovely looking space in an old Chemist shop. Just look at the original wooden display cases. (pic.via Candy Stripe blog) .

I'm planning on a jaunt up to Sydney very soon to see it in person although sadly I won't be able to make it to the launch.But I will be making it to the launch of The Brunswick Show at Donkey Wheel House Basement gallery on Saturday September 3th. This year will see more 100 artists all mushed up and friendly in the one gallery - amongst them will be Shaun Tan, Carla Fletcher, and Mick Turner!
My Bird O' Paradise will be hanging out there too, before it flies up to live in sunny Brisbane.
I'll be updating more crafty events on the Spring calender in the coming weeks like classes, sculpture workshops, magazine launches and giveaways. Bring on the busy!

Beach Detritus

My good Flicker friend "Urban Woodswalker" left a comment on my Instant Collections pic the other day."LOVE art making materials! but I MISS your beach detritus....These look too clean and perfect! "
Well yes they do look clean, maybe not perfect, but definitely unblemished by sea and sand.

And YES, I missed my beach fossicking too. It's been too wintery to venture to the beach to partake in a spot of beach combing of late, but yesterday the sun was shining and the flotsam and jetsam at Williamstown Beach was calling my name........

"Rainbow Flotsam & Jetsam #2" 2011

"Rainbow Flotsam & Jetsam" 2009.

Curious to see the difference two years can make. Practically none as far as I can see. I think I even found another bit of the same red comb (top right hand corner in both pics!) and can you spot a Cyclax red lippy (top pic) that's got to be from the 50's.

Instant Collections

The Colour Kitten Etsy store has just been stocked with a new range of Instant "Stuff" Collections.

For all the crafty, colour lovin' collectors out there.

It was time to share some of my "Stuff", so now you can get an instant collection of colour coded bric-a-brac for crafts, mixed media, collage or keeping! Over 25 goodies in each pack.
They look very effective mounted in a shadow box.

So do this horder a favour and help her free up some space!

Blog Log

Thanks for the bloggy love MAEVE magazine. Go and have a read of this beautifully crafted online mag. It's full of designery, foodie, photo imagy wonderfulness.

And pop over to "You Will Always Find Me" today to check out some sweet tea towel curtain inspiration!

A Crafty Living?

Jewellery designer Liana Kabel asked a question on Facebook yesterday "Can you make a living from Craft? Yes/No?"
I jokingly answered "You can if your family likes two minute noodles", meaning you can survive, just, but it won't be a glamorous lifestyle!
When I married my muso husband, I was the one in a "real job", teaching Art at an inner city high School. My own art came second. Now Mr BJ has a real job, and his music is a secondary income.
I am doing OK , but with growing kids, we have had to juggle back and forth between jobs so there is always a stable income...because unless you are in a small percentage of the industry, NO-ONE I know can survive solely on their Artistic pursuits.
A tiny bit depressing, but the positives usually out way the negatives. The main plus being the amazing buzz you get when you are living a creative lifestyle. Even though there are lean months , the motivation to keep trying and not have to go back to a day job, keeps me plugging away!

And then there is a greater type of motivation. When you find out that somebody has bought your Big Bird O' Paradise...YAY!

And of course it's fun playing around with crafty colour.

Things I do......

Things I do in no particular order:
Make handmade stuff, recycle, swear, get sticky, sell stuff, work fricken hard to keep one step ahead, get lonely, get elated, almost give up, feel proud, go op-shopping......

Then when I have come home from the op shop with some pretty vintage Mary Janes and also find that a lovely friend has donated some lino*......I smile.
*I am calling this lino the Rosalinda lino after the donater. That makes me the donatee!

Delivery Day!

Yesterday was delivery day. A day for dropping off Betty Jo goodies to lovely stockists new and old.
First stop, "Salvage and Selvage" in Fitzroy, the just opened, creative enterprise of Andria of "Shagpile" fame. Go and have a look at the beautiful space she has created and give this new shop some crafty love!

Next stop was pink Karim in Fairfield.The Floral Flying Ducks from last post are now happily settled in their pretty new home. I snapped a quick pic. of some Betty Jo goodies already on display. Loving the Nana style china tea cups and doily.

Then it was time to visit The Curious Oyster Shoppe , the fantastic crafty oasis in up-town Thornbury. Topped up the Betty Jo stock and caught up with Annaliese just home from her world travels.

I did manage to squash in some op shopping too. Because it's been a while and most of you know what op shopping withdrawal feels like! My favorite find was this cute cup and saucer.

Aussie Ducks

Can you tell I really like making these sets of Flying Ducks?
It's a triple Nana combo that I can't resist: Vintage Lino, Doilies and Kitschy Flying Ducks!
And for some Aussie patriotism you can now get yourself the "I Call Australia Home" Lino Brooch from Etsy!

Like a Rainbow.

To help me forget one of those dentist visits none of us care to remember, I'm having a play around with some colored "stuff" while waiting for the anesthetic to wear off.
If I was actually talking to you right now I'd be calling this post "Li a Wainbo".
Thank you blog for keeping me occupied xxx

Big Bird O' Paradise

It's been a BIG week in Betty Jo Land. I'm having a rest today post Pop Up Sale and continuing my nursey duties with the kidlets.
Just a reminder, my BIG "Bird O' Paradise" is happily hanging in the window of Pussycat Black this month in a shower of fruit and lino .It's part of Craft Victoria's Craft Cubed Festival.
If you're in the vicinity of 105 Therry Street right near the Vic Market, go and have a looksie!

LOOK, LIKE , COME!

When do things ever go to plan? I was meant to be manning my table at the amazing Pop Up Studio Sale today (thanks to Lucy for the post), but instead I'm home with a sick boy and girl.

I haven't escaped the lurgy either, so you won't get to hear my throaty voice today, sorry.
Fingers crossed for tomorrow and Saturday.

So if you want to get some beautiful goodies from some awesome makers for gifts or for a treat for yourself......Look, Like, Come!!!!

Tutti Frutti Window

Here's a sneaky peek at the Tutti Frutti Window I've just hung at Pussycat Black, right opposite the fruit stalls at the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.
It's part of Craft Victoria's Craft Cubed Program.

As it's so sunny and Spring like in Melbourne today a colourful fruity fiesta is just the ticket!

"Lino Love"

I'm writing guest posts for The Design Files this week. Have a peek here. Thanks to Lucy and Jenny for inviting me.

And look. There is a Betty Jo Cuckoo Clock up for grabs...like this one.
Leave a comment on the guest posts till Thursday to be in the running.